Breastfeeding self‐efficacy predicts breastmilk feeding in preterm infants at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit

AIM: To examine the association between breastfeeding self‐efficacy (BSE) and breastmilk feeding at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit among mothers of preterm infants. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the Family Integrated Care (FICare) cluster randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Data from 221 mothers of preterm infants who participated in the standard care group of the trial were analysed. BSE at admission was assessed using the modified Breastfeeding Self‐Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES‐SF). Breastmilk feeding was assessed using 24 hr maternal recall at discharge. RESULTS: Mothers who were exclusively breastmilk feeing their infants at discharge had statistically significantly higher mean BSES‐SF scores at admission (68.4, SD = 13.7) than those providing a combination of breastmilk and formula or only formula (59.6, SD = 14.7; p < .001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that higher BSE at admission, maternal birth in Canada, and absence of diabetes were statistically significant predictors of exclusive breastmilk feeding at discharge.